September 18, 2024

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Eddy Grant wins copyright case against Donald Trump

September 14, 2024

In the US, a federal judge has ruled Donald Trump infringed copyrights by using Eddy Grant’s iconic “Electric Avenue” hit in a 2020 campaign video without permission.

The ruling, handed down yesterday, rejected Trump’s argument that he made legal fair use of the song.

The Guyanese-British Grant, who lives in Barbados, sued Trump in 2020 after the then-President used the 1982 song in a social media video attacking Joe Biden.

Grant says he was dismayed when he began receiving inquiries asking if he had approved the use of his music.

The ruling means that Trump and his campaign have been held legally liable for copyright infringement.

However, the amount he must ultimately pay Grant in damages will be resolved in future proceedings.

This case is not the only complaint the former President has received over the use of music in his campaigns.

Beyoncé, Celine Dion, the Foo Fighters, ABBA and Sinead O’Connor’s estate have all spoken out or threatened action against Trump, while the White Stripes and the estate of Isaac Hayes have both filed lawsuits against him and his campaign.

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